Root Caries & when Prevention is not enough Flashcards
Comment on the statistic of having no natural teeth from 1968 to 1998
Fall from 37% to 13%
Comment on the relationship between age and root surfaces
- With age, more root surfaces exposed to the oral environment
- Therefore, the surface area of exposed roots exposed increases
- The exposed root surfaces are then susceptible to dental caries
Why may the gingivae recede? (2)
- With age
- Due to periodontal disease
Why don’t restorative materials work well on the root? (3)
- Structure of dentine
- Close proximity to gingival level
- Hard moisture control
Where are root caries located? (2)
- At cemento-enamel junction
- Apical to cemento-enamel junction
Why is it important to distinguish between cervical and root caries?
As treatment differs for both
What are some aetiological factors of root caries? (8)
- Root exposure
- Oral Hygiene
- Denture wearing
- Diet
- Saliva
- Fluoride
- Occlusion
- Cariogenic microorganisms
Comment on the proportion of acidogenic micro-organisms in plaque between older and younger patients
The proportion of acidogenic micro-organisms in plaque is generally higher in older people than in younger ones
How can removable dentures cause caries? (2)
- Plaque retention
- Food trapping
What does soft root caries lesion mean for the caries?
Extensive demineralisation, no evidence of intact surface mineral layer
What does leathery root caries lesion mean for the caries?
Active root caries
What does hard root caries lesion mean for the caries?
- Arrested
- Uniform distribution of mineral throughout lesion
How can you classify caries lesions? (2)
- Based on pattern of mineralisation
- Based on clinical features
Give some clinical features of active root caries (4)
- Well defined
- Soft, yellowish
- Light brown
- Covered by visible plaque
Give some clinical features of slowly progressive root caries (2)
- Brownish black
- Leathery
